Middle TN sees spike in handgun permits

Seeking a sense of security

4:10 AM,
May 2, 2013

Instructor Jace Fox, second from right, talks with his students during a handgun permit class in Franklin. Thousands of Middle Tennesseans are taking an interest in carrying a weapon, many for the first time.

Written by

Josh Adams
| The Tennessean

Ken Childress and his wife, both retirees, live in a Brentwood neighborhood where expansive floor plans are the norm, police regularly patrol the streets and they and their neighbors enjoy an overall sense of security.

But during a recent weekend in late March, Childress was at a gun range learning how to safely handle a pistol. He has two weapons now and wants to carry one for protection.

"Protection is important," Childress said. "It's important for me and for my wife and for my property." ...